23 National Parks Where You Can Go Snowshoeing With Kids
While national parks definitely get more visitors in the summer months, winter can be a great time to visit a park. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but visiting a park in a different season can make it a whole new experience. For the national parks in colder areas of the country, snow and ice completely transform the landscape. Plants and animals adapt to the cold in unique and exciting ways. Blankets of snow shield fragile ecosystems and can allow humans with the right equipment to safely traverse without harm.
Hiking in the summer may be one of your favorite national park's go-to activities, but plenty of winter activities are available to families. Have you ever tried snowshoeing?
Why Snowshoeing?
Strapping on a pair of snowshoes make it possible to travel through the deep powdery snow, allowing you to spend time exploring the wild differently. Snowshoeing can be a low-impact exercise, but it can also be a highly strenuous activity depending on the types of trails you choose. For beginners and for children, short trails with little elevation are a good place to start.
Snowshoeing is an exhilarating form of winter travel. If your kids need things to do while snowshoeing, photography or nature journaling can be added to the agenda. To add a fun twist, try your hand at wildlife tracking! Fresh snowfall provides an excellent backdrop for spotting pawprints and other signs of animal life.
Where to get snowshoes
To Borrow
Many national parks have a supply of snowshoes they will lend for free or for a small donation. Other parks have gear rentals either in or near the park entrance. The best way to find out is to check the park website or call ahead.
To Buy
Outdoor stores like REI, LL Bean, and Backcountry all sell snowshoes. This starter set is great for kids under 60 lbs and can adjust to fit them for multiple years.
For secondhand options, check Facebook marketplace, garage sales, and local thrift stores.
Safety and Other Equipment
Hypothermia
Watch for signs of hypothermia. This is caused by exposure to cold and is aggravated by wind and wet clothing. Know the warning signs and act quickly. If anyone in your party has uncontrollable shivering, reduced coordination, and incoherent speech, get them inside as soon as possible. If necessary, seek medical attention.
The best way to avoid hypothermia is to dress appropriately, staying warm and dry. Wear layers that you can remove as your body heats up, but that will still keep you warm. Avoid cotton layers.
Equipment you will need:
- Snowshoes
- Hat
- Mittens/Gloves
- Suitable waterproof boots (you will sink into the snow even wearing snowshoes)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Food and Water
Winter Ten Essentials
If you go on longer snowshoeing routes or in more rural locations, consider carrying a few more items that can come in handy. This list comes from Mount Rainier National Park.
- Shovel (avalanche rescue)
- Full-length insulated sleeping pad
- Stove and fuel (melt snow)
- Heat packs
- Goggles and wool hat
- Gloves (waterproof/lined)
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche probe
- Reliable weather and avalanche forecasts (check at the visitor center)
- Map, compass, and GPS (with extra batteries)
Where to Go
Denali National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve
Have you tried snowshoeing in any national parks? Comment below and tell us about your experience!